How To Call South Africa From Singapore

How to Call South Africa from Singapore (Landline & Mobile)

Calling South Africa from Singapore requires the country code and usually an area code for landlines.

1. Dial Singapore's international access code: 001 (or 002, 008 depending on your phone company)
2. Dial the South Africa country code: 27
3. Dial the South African **area code** (usually 1 or 2 digits, e.g., 21 for Cape Town, 11 for Johannesburg). **Omit the leading '0'** if it's included in the number you have. For mobile numbers, dial the mobile prefix instead (e.g., 82, 73, etc., dropping the leading '0').
4. Dial the local phone number (typically 7 digits after the area code for landlines, or 7 digits after the mobile prefix).

Landline Example (Cape Town): If calling a number written as (021) 123 4567, dial 001 27 21 1234567 from Singapore.

Mobile Example: If calling a mobile number written as 082 123 4567, dial 001 27 82 1234567 from Singapore.

Important Note: Always drop the leading '0' from the South African area code or mobile prefix when dialing internationally.

Different Ways to Dial Internationally from Singapore

Singapore offers several international access codes depending on your provider:

• 001: SingTel
• 002: M1
• 008: StarHub

Using different codes might result in different charges from your standard phone provider. When using a phone card, such as those from Singapore Phone Cards, always use the local access number provided with the card for the best rates.

Understanding South African Phone Numbers

South African phone numbers follow this structure:

• Country Code: 27
• Area Code (Landlines): 1 or 2 digits (e.g., 11, 12, 21, 31, 41, 51). The leading '0' used domestically is dropped internationally.
• Mobile Prefix (Mobiles): 2 digits, typically starting with 6, 7, or 8 (e.g., 82, 83, 72, 73, 60). The leading '0' used domestically is dropped internationally.
• Local Number: Usually 7 digits following the area code or mobile prefix, making a total of 9 digits after the country code (27 XX XXX XXXX).

Total digits dialed after the Singapore exit code: 001 + 27 + 9 digits (Area Code/Mobile Prefix + Local Number).

South African Area Codes (Landlines)

Here is a more comprehensive list of landline area codes in South Africa (remember to drop the leading '0' when dialing from abroad):

This list covers many areas but might not be fully exhaustive. Always verify the specific area code if unsure.

Time Difference: Singapore to South Africa

South Africa operates on **South African Standard Time (SAST)**, which is **UTC+2**.

Singapore is always **UTC+8**.

Therefore, **South Africa is 6 hours behind Singapore**. This is a significant difference to consider when planning calls.

• Example: 12 PM (noon) in Singapore is 6 AM in South Africa.
• Example: 5 PM in Singapore is 11 AM in South Africa.

Special Numbers to Know (South Africa)

• Police Emergency: 10111
• Ambulance/Fire Emergency: 10177
• Mobile Emergency: 112 (redirects to appropriate service)
• Directory Enquiries: 1023

Calling Business Extensions

If you need to reach a specific extension at a business in South Africa:

1. Dial the full international number (e.g., 001 27 11 LocalNumber).
2. Wait for the automated system or receptionist to answer.
3. Listen for instructions (often in English or Afrikaans) and enter the extension number when prompted.

Best Time to Call South Africa from Singapore

Due to the 6-hour time difference, the best overlap for standard business hours (approx. 8:30 AM - 5 PM SAST) is during Singapore's afternoon and evening:

• Singapore 2:30 PM - 11 PM (SGT): Corresponds to roughly **8:30 AM - 5 PM (SAST)** in South Africa.
• Calling during Singapore's morning will reach South Africa very early or before business hours.

Be mindful of public holidays in South Africa.